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In addition to the services for women and infants provided through MSDH, we are collaborating with other State and national experts, clinicians, community organizations and families to promote
evidence-based practices and policies across the state to improve birth outcomes. At the center of all strategies is a focus on building collaborative partnerships, using data to drive practices
and reducing disparities between all populations.

Promote smoking cessation among pregnant women

Smoking or other tobacco use by the mother or in the mother's home can contribute to premature birth, low birth weight, and infant death. Pregnant women should receive evidence-based tobacco cessation counseling and support.
The Office of Tobacco Control has special resources available to reduce smoking in pregnant women.

Quit Smoking TodayHelp with quitting smoking from the Tobacco Quitline and other resources

Promote Safe Sleep

Safe sleep practices – including putting infants to sleep alone, on their back, and in a crib – are a key part of preventing death in the first year of life from SIDS/SUID. Through its SIDS prevention program, MSDH is working to promote parent and community education about safe sleep environments.

Interconception Care

Women should be as healthy as possible before they enter pregnancy. Interconception care focuses on reducing medical, social, and behavioral risk factors,
particularly among women who have experienced a previous poor birth outcome such as a preterm birth or fetal/infant death.

Access to 17P

17P is a progesterone medicine that can help prevent preterm birth in pregnant women who have already had a preterm birth.
Given in regular doses starting in the second trimester, it can delay delivery and ensure appropriate fetal development before birth.
MSDH is working to expand awareness and access to 17P across the state.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding improves the nutritional status of infants, strengthens their brain development, and decreases their risk of diseases like asthma, obesity and diabetes. MSDH supports parent and community education about breastfeeding and hospital environments that support breastfeeding.

Perinatal Systems of Care

Preterm and low-birthweight infants have the highest chance of survival when they are delivered at hospitals with access to neonatal specialists, services and technology to meet all of their medical needs. Coordinated systems of care are needed to ensure that high-risk mothers and babies receive risk-appropriate care.